The Julia Hartley-Brewer Show

Julia Hartley-Brewer is joined by Trevor Kavanagh to dissect the latest “Mandelson files” and what they suggest about the Prime Minister’s judgment, the ambassadorial appointment process, and whether Parliament was misled by Keir Starmer during his extended defence of his appointment and then sacking in September 2025. They question the £75,000 pay-out given to Lord Peter Mandelson, which the government has defended by pointing out it is much lower than the £547,000 he requested. The government were also worried about an expensive tribunal. Then Labour peer Lord Foulkes pushes back in a combative exchange over integrity, accountability and the fallout from Mandelson’s departure — including the controversial £75,000 settlement. Remarkably, Lord Foulkes struggles to answer whether he thinks Donald Trump is better than the Ayatollahs in Iran, and also seems to struggle to say if Donald Trump is better than Vladimir Putin. Eventually he says Putin is more dangerous and Trump is better than the Ayatollahs. Finally, defence analyst Philip Ingram responds to the arguments on Iran, UK involvement, basing and how diplomacy and force intersect in real-world conflict. Julia Hartley-Brewer broadcasts on Talk from Monday to Thursday, 10AM to 1PM. Available on YouTube and streaming platforms, along with DAB+ radio and your smart speaker. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Julia Hartley-Brewer is joined by Brendan O’Neill (Chief Political Writer at Spiked) to discuss the Home Secretary’s decision to ban the pro-Iran Al-Quds March — and whether restricting a march can ever be justified without trampling on free speech. Brendan argues the event has become a “hate march”, raises concerns about radical Islamism in Britain, and questions why groups who openly despise Western values are able to organise on UK streets. They also examine the proposed new definition of “anti-Muslim hostility” and whether it risks becoming a blasphemy law by the back door, with a chilling effect on speech and criticism of religion. Plus: the controversial guidance issued to schools around religious sensitivities — and what it could mean for art, music, dance, and classroom freedoms. Later, Labour MP for Hull East Karl Turner returns to explain the tactics behind efforts to stop Labour’s Criminal Justice Bill restricting jury trials for many offences. Julia and Karl debate the courts backlog, the impact on defendants’ rights, and whether removing jury trials would make any meaningful difference. They also discuss delays for victims (including rape and serious sexual offences), why Turner believes the government can be forced into changes, and whether the Treasury is driving policy more than justice. Julia Hartley-Brewer broadcasts on Talk from Monday to Thursday, 10AM to 1PM. Available on YouTube and streaming platforms, along with DAB+ radio and your smart speaker. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Julia Hartley-Brewer is joined by journalist and political commentator Henry Hill and author Jake Wallace-Simons to take on the government's controversial new definition of anti-Muslim hostility and the appointment of Britain's first anti-Muslim hostility czar. Is this a genuine attempt to protect the Muslim community from Islamophobia — or a politically motivated move that threatens free speech and shuts down vital conversations? With concerns raised about links between consulted organisations and extremism, the chilling effect on broadcasters and employers, and the risk of silencing legitimate debate about Islamism, grooming gangs, and community integration, the trio discuss the future of open debate in Britain. Also: they discuss the Iran war, the Strait of Hormuz, and the global oil price crisis; Britain's depleted Royal Navy - and how France have embarrassed our military capability; Iran's nuclear ambitions and the existential threat to Israel and the West; North Sea energy, fracking, and Britain's self-inflicted energy crisis. Julia Hartley-Brewer broadcasts on Talk from Monday to Thursday, 10AM to 1PM. Available on YouTube and streaming platforms, along with DAB+ radio and your smart speaker. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As Donald Trump dismisses soaring energy costs as a “very small price to pay”, the West is bracing for surging oil prices — and UK households are in the firing line, with higher prices for electricity, heating, petrol, airfare, and more. With disruption in the Strait of Hormuz (a critical route for roughly a fifth of the world’s oil), some analysts warn crude could surge towards $150 a barrel, with extreme scenarios even higher if disruption is prolonged. Julia Hartley-Brewer is joined by Conservative MP and former Security Minister Tom Tugendhat, who argues all Keir Starmer has done is leave Britain less popular with our allies— while reports of a “humbling” call with Trump raise fresh questions about Labour’s standing with Britain’s biggest security partner. Tugendhat also warns the UK’s hollowed-out military capability is now impossible to ignore, as questions swirl around the protection of the Cyprus base, the lack of a Royal Navy presence in the region, and the reality that moving even a single ship has become a Prime Minister-level decision because of our scarce resources. Plus, Julia speaks to Fleur Hassan-Nahoum, Israeli Foreign Ministry Special Envoy, on Iran’s leadership, the threat posed by the regime and its proxies, and why she believes the West cannot treat this as “someone else’s problem” even as families at home face higher bills. Also: the King’s planned visit to the US, the fraying Trump–Starmer dynamic, and calls to ban a pro-Iran march in the UK amid renewed scrutiny of the IRGC. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Day seven of the Middle East conflict raises fresh questions about UK readiness at home and abroad. From Dubai, Isabel Oakeshott describes daily life under periodic alerts, assesses Iran’s degraded drone/missile capability, and warns of potential IRGC-linked reprisals — as counter-terror police arrest four suspects over alleged links to Iranian intelligence and surveillance of London’s Jewish community. Back in Westminster, Keir Starmer faces criticism over Britain’s posture, the strained Atlantic relationship, and mixed messaging to allies in the Gulf. Former Army chief Lord Richard Dannatt sets out how decades of underinvestment have hollowed out UK capability — from warship readiness to the protection of our bases in Cyprus and Bahrain. He also argues deterrence that against Russia, and support for Ukraine, remains a central priority. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Alex Phillips, sitting in for Julia Hartley-Brewer, discusses reports that Middle East allies are angry about the Labour government’s handling of the conflict in Iran. Questions continue over the UK’s military posture, the security of British bases overseas, and reports that cabinet minister Ed Miliband advised Keir Starmer against allowing the US to use UK bases, leading to Keir Starmer’s initial refusal to allow the US to use them to launch strikes on Iran. On this episode, Brendan O’Neill argues the UK should stand “shoulder to shoulder” with our allies and confront the Iranian regime’s role in the conflict. Rear Admiral Chris Parry assesses the state of UK defence capability, including the readiness of our Type 45 destroyers, threats in the Strait of Hormuz, and the wider global implications for energy security and deterrence. Former Defence Secretary Sir Liam Fox then discusses the UK’s role in the world, the Chagos/Diego Garcia issue, and concerns raised by allies in Washington and the Gulf. Also: UK’s rules of engagement, RAF Akrotiri and RAF Fairford, IRGC proscription, regional energy risk, and whether Britain is becoming “irrelevant and invisible” on the international stage. Alex Phillips is stepping in for Julia Hartley-Brewer until Friday 6th March. Julia Hartley-Brewer broadcasts on Talk from Monday to Thursday, 10AM to 1PM. Available on YouTube and streaming platforms, along with DAB+ radio and your smart Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Alex Phillips, sitting in for Julia Hartley-Brewer, is joined by former senior military intelligence officer Philip Ingram to assess the UK Government’s handling of the US/Israeli strikes on Iran, and what he calls an incoherent, domestically driven approach that risks weakening UK leverage with Washington. The pair unpick reports that HMS Dragon’s deployment towards Cyprus has been delayed, what that implies about our military’s readiness, and the exposure of British bases including Akrotiri as regional tensions escalate. Then, Shadow Attorney General Lord Wolfson sets out why he believes the Government’s legal posture is strategically inconsistent and is being used as political cover - giving detail on Starmer’s “international law” defence. And former Royal Navy commander Tom Sharpe argues decades of defence neglect are now playing out in real time — with the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important transit routes for energy supplies, and maritime security once again at the centre of the crisis. Alex Phillips is stepping in for Julia Hartley-Brewer until Friday 6th March. Julia Hartley-Brewer broadcasts on Talk from Monday to Thursday, 10AM to 1PM. Available on YouTube and streaming platforms, along with DAB+ radio and your smart speaker. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Keir Starmer faces fierce criticism after refusing to back US action against Iran — and then allowing limited “defensive” use of UK-US bases. As Donald Trump accuses the Prime Minister of weakness and political pandering to the Muslim vote, Alex Phillips’ considers whether Keir Starmer is dithering and hiding behind international law. Mark Littlewood (Director of Popular Conservatism) weighs in on UK military capability, the threat from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), and whether Britain can afford to sit on the fence. Military analyst Elliot Wilson examines what the US and Israel can realistically achieve in Iran — from dismantling its nuclear capability to the risks and unknowns of regime change. And Peter Hitchens issues a stark warning about another Middle East war and the economic damage a wider conflict could inflict. Also: what this crisis could mean for oil and gas prices, Rachel Reeves’ Spring Statement, and the growing backlash against Ed Miliband’s energy policy as he is urged to scrap a fuel duty hike amid spiking oil and gas prices. Alex Phillips is stepping in for Julia Hartley-Brewer until Friday 6th March. Julia Hartley-Brewer broadcasts on Talk from Monday to Thursday, 10AM to 1PM. Available on YouTube and streaming platforms, along with DAB+ radio and your smart speaker. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Alex Phillips sits in for Julia Hartley-Brewer, speaking to former Parachute Regiment major Andrew Fox about why No10 initially resisted US use of UK military bases to attack Iran. Celebrations erupted in Iran and across the world after Ayatollah Khameini and a host of significant Iranian regime officials were killed by strikes on Saturday morning. The regime has killed tens of thousands of its own citizens and maintained brutal, theocratic rule over Iran since a 1979 revolution brought them to power. American-Israeli military action has sparked debate about US intervention in the Middle East, whether this is ultimately in Western interests, the escalation risk, a power vacuum in Iran, and potential terror attacks by Shiite Muslims. Four US servicemen have been killed so far, and three American jets have been shot down by friendly fire. Donald Trump wanted to use RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire and the Chagos Islands' Diego Garcia to affect regime change and dismantle its nuclear and missile facilities. Having made it clear they would deny the president's request, the Labour government eventually shifted position as UK assets and personnel came under threat - but emphasised that any UK involvement would be "defensive". Andrew and Alex assess how this decision reflects on the UK prime minister. They also discuss Iran’s missile capabilities, interception rates across the Gulf, resupply pressures, and how long the current tempo of operations can be sustained — as well as the likelihood of Russia or China escalating support for their ally in the region. Later, barrister Natasha Hausdorff, legal director of UK Lawyers for Israel, responds to arguments that Donald Trump's strikes violated international law. She weighs Lord Wolfson’s critique of the Attorney General Lord Hermer's approach, examining how self-defence and the wider regional conflict framework are being interpreted by "the West's detractors". She ultimately justifies the strikes. Also: whether the UN is playing a credible role, and what the conflagration means for the UK–US "special relationship" and Britain’s national security. Alex Phillips is stepping in for Julia Hartley-Brewer until Friday 6th March. Julia Hartley-Brewer broadcasts on Talk from Monday to Thursday, 10AM to 1PM. Available on YouTube and streaming platforms, along with DAB+ radio and your smart speaker. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Green Party claims its first ever Westminster by-election win, in Labour's 38th safest seat: Gorton & Denton. Julia Hartley-Brewer is joined by journalist and commentator Henry Hill to break down the political aftershocks: Labour pushed into third, Reform in second, the Conservatives losing their deposit, and what this says about Keir Starmer’s strategy and the future of two-party politics. Talk reporter Samara Gill brings on-the-ground reporting from Manchester as Green figures celebrate, detailing the mood on the ground — from younger, left-leaning voters to a significant Muslim vote — and the arguments now swirling around community politics and campaign tactics, that included a Green party video in Urdu. Then Green Party activist and Birkbeck University academic Dr Ashok Kumar goes head-to-head with Julia on why the Greens won, whether “bread-and-butter” policies mattered more than foreign policy - the Greens made their policy on Gaza central - and how the party responds to allegations about sectarian campaigning, Urdu-language materials, and claims of “family voting” and electoral integrity raised by observers. Also: the latest on the defacing of Winston Churchill’s statue in Parliament Square, after a man spray painted "zionist war criminal" on it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Trevor Kavanagh, former political editor of The Sun, joins Julia Hartley-Brewer to dissect the latest immigration and asylum figures — and the continued public anger at the gap between political spin and what people can see happening on Britain’s borders. Ministers may point to a fall in work, study and family visas, a small dip in asylum claims, and fewer asylum seekers in hotels — but Julia and Trevor ask the blunt question: what does “control” look like when illegal migrants are still arriving in large numbers, with small boats surging as soon as the weather improves? Trevor argues that a government’s first duty is to defend the country — and that Britain has become a destination of choice, with taxpayers left funding accommodation, food and healthcare for people who entered unlawfully. Trevor also gives his take on two other flashpoints driving distrust in politics: the murky fallout from the Mandelson arrest story, and the uncertainty around the Chagos Islands deal — including whether Britain really will hand over sovereign territory and then pay to lease back a strategic military base. Then Jamie Jenkins, former ONS statistician, explains what the data actually shows behind the headlines: year-to-date increases in Channel crossings, the scale of asylum claims, how many are granted at first decision versus on appeal, and why “fewer hotel rooms” doesn’t necessarily mean fewer claimants — with many simply moved into other accommodation that is still funded by the state. Finally, Julia and Jamie turn to the other crisis hiding in plain sight: the NHS. With spending having doubled over recent years, why aren’t outcomes improving? Jamie lays out the real pressure points — an ageing population (including a projected surge in over-75s), inefficiency, broken processes, and why digitisation and better productivity may matter as much as extra funding. Julia Hartley-Brewer broadcasts on Talk Monday to Thursday, 10AM to 1PM. Available on YouTube and streaming platforms, along with DAB+ radio and your smart speaker. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tom Slater, editor of spiked, joins Julia Hartley-Brewer to slam the Green Party’s policy programme — and why it’s the ultimate “gift” to anyone arguing Britain needs common sense back in politics. Julia and Tom break down proposals that would effectively wipe out the idea of “illegal migrants” — including instant access to public services, the right to work with no restrictions, and, most controversially, the promise of a free house (or private room) and a taxpayer-funded basic living wage with no requirement to work or even look for work. Julia brands it “sixth-form politics” dressed up as compassion — warning it would supercharge pull factors while Britons already struggle with housing, jobs, school places and falling living standards. They also tackle the bigger picture: the political double standard where mainstream views on borders and safety are smeared as “extreme” — while genuinely radical ideas are waved through. Then Julia is joined by Karl Turner MP (Labour, Hull East) for an equally blunt conversation about accountability and the justice system. Karl Turner reacts to the extraordinary developments around Lord Mandelson’s arrest connected to allegations relating to Jeffrey Epstein (Mandelson denies wrongdoing and has not been charged), and questions the secrecy around what the public is allowed to know. And on Labour’s plan to curb jury trials for most offences, Turner calls it “outrageous”, says it won’t fix court delays, and warns it risks ripping up a hard-won safeguard dating back to Magna Carta — with a serious Commons rebellion brewing. Julia Hartley-Brewer broadcasts on Talk Monday to Thursday, 10AM to 1PM. Available on YouTube and streaming platforms, along with DAB+ radio and your smart speaker. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The Julia Hartley-Brewer Show, Julia is joined by Lord Foulkes (Labour peer and former minister under Tony Blair) and Brendan O’Neill (Chief Political Writer at Spiked) to unpack the growing political storm around Peter Mandelson's arrest last night in connection with the wider Jeffrey Epstein fallout. He was released on bail in the early hours of the morning. With Mandelson denying wrongdoing and there being no confirmed charges, the focus turns to Keir Starmer's political judgement in appointing Mandelson in the first place. Does Britain operate with one rule for the powerful and another for everyone else? Julia argues the story now lands squarely on Keir Starmer, because it raises questions about why someone with controversial associations was elevated to a senior diplomatic role — and what ministers and security vetting may have known. The episode also ranges across Reform UK’s immigration and ECHR stance, proposals to restrict the Burka and other face coverings, and the Gorton & Denton by-election, including controversy over campaigning in languages other than English - namely Urdu, appealing to British-Pakistani voters - and the rise of sectarian-style politics. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Julia Hartley-Brewer is joined by conservative commentator Benedict Spence and The New Statesman’s Oli Dugmore for a no-holds-barred deep dive into the stories dominating Britain. First: the latest Prince Andrew fallout — the scandal, the whispers inside royal circles, and what it means for the monarchy’s judgement and future. Then: Reform UK’s hardline border proposals, including an ICE-style enforcement unit, mass deportations, visa bans for countries that won’t take people back, and the row over “restoring Britain’s Christian heritage”. Plus: the Whitechapel flashpoint that’s gone viral — a Christian preacher, angry complaints outside a mosque, and a police officer’s blunt reminder: “This is Britain” and free speech cuts both ways. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Prince Andrew’s arrest sends shockwaves through the Royal Family — and raises urgent questions about what happened, who knew, and what comes next. Host Peter Cardwell is joined by The Sun’s Thomas Godfrey from Sandringham and former Head of Royal Protection Dai Davies to unpack the police investigation, what “misconduct in public office” really means, and whether royal protection officers could face scrutiny too. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Robert Jenrick MP, Reform UK’s shadow chancellor, and Dai Davies, former head of Royal protection, come on The Julia Hartley-Brewer Show to discuss remarkable breaking news at the start of Julia’s broadcast - that Andrew had been arrested at the Sandringham Estate for misconduct in public office. Andrew denies wrongdoing and has not yet been charged - as of the time of publishing. King Charles has released a statement saying ‘the law must take its course’. The continued release of the Epstein files have unveiled the extent of his relationship with the paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein. E-mail exchanges between the pair reveal that Andrew handed over sensitive documents to Mr Epstein in his role as trade envoy to the British government. He is currently being investigated by NINE separate police forces throughout the country. Also: Robert Jenrick reacts to a Talk exclusive - the news that various British Chaggossians have been served an eviction notice after landing on the island in protest at Britain’s deal. Keir Starmer had agreed to give away the islands and lease back the Diego Garcia military base. American president Donald Trump has flip-flopped on his support for the deal. And Robert Jenrick reacts to a BBC investigation into rape gangs in London. Sadiq Khan has previously denied any awareness of systemic grooming in the capital, despite their prevalence in other parts of the country such as Rotherham. Julia Hartley-Brewer broadcasts on Talk from Monday to Thursday, 10AM to 1PM. Available on YouTube and streaming platforms, along with DAB+ radio and your smart speaker. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg, former Conservative government minister, comes on The Julia Hartley-Brewer Show to discuss why he agrees with Reform MP Robert Jenrick's economic plan to cut welfare to get the economy back on track. Their conversation comes on a day when inflation fell to 3% and unemployment for 16-24 year olds rose to 16.1%. The youth unemployment rate is the highest since 2020 and worse than the EU average - precipitating a crisis that could have ramifications for decades, as unemployment when you're young makes future work less likely. Meanwhile, Robert Jenrick MP, newly announced Treasury spokesman for Reform, made a major speech to the city. He confirmed Reform would maintain Bank of England independence, maintain the Office for Budget Responsibility and would crackdown on wasteful spending. He vowed to “defuse the benefits bomb”, including by reinstating the two child benefit cap and mandating in-person assessment for sickness or disability payments. The speech came hot on the heels of the announcement that inflation had dropped to 3% - a rare piece of good news for the shambolic chancellor of the exchequer Rachel Reeves. Shortly after Robert Jenrick's speech, it appeared there was disagreement between Mr Jenrick and Nigel Farage. Robert Jenrick vowed to maintain the triple lock on state pensions, whereas Nigel Farage said it was "open to debate". Also: How Sir Jacob would promote family-living, including by instating transferable tax allowances, and why it is a "tragedy" that 300,000 people were aborted last year. Julia Hartley-Brewer broadcasts on Talk from Monday to Thursday, 10AM to 1PM. Available on YouTube and streaming platforms, along with DAB+ radio and your smart speaker. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Brendan O’Neill, author and writer for Spiked Online, and Suella Braverman, Reform spokeswoman for education, skills and equalities, come on The Julia Hartley-Brewer Show to discuss the war on woke and Reform UK’s new ‘shadow cabinet’. Reform UK announced the first four members of their ‘shadow cabinet’: the spokespeople for various ministerial roles that would make up Reform’s cabinet if they get into power. Zia Yusuf was announced as ‘shadow home secretary’, Richard Tice was announced as business, trade and energy spokesman and would be deputy PM, Robert Jenrick was announced as ‘shadow chancellor of the exchequer’, And Suella Braverman was announced as education, skills and equalities spokeswoman. She vowed to repeal the Equality Act and stop schools from creating the ‘next generation of eco-zealots’. Brendan O’Neill has just written a book - Vibe Shift - that outlines how ordinary, working class people have fought against the out-of-touch political, media and business classes to rally against woke-ism on climate, Brexit, and transgenderism. Also: Labour’s U-turn on council elections, as they announced 30 council elections would go ahead in May. Steve Reed, minister for local government, had previously sought to delay them as authorities were reorganised. But there was public outcry, as democracy would have been denied for over four million people. Reform were polling well in many of the districts that were going to have their vote denied. And how the ECHR could be used to enable family members of Gazan refugees to come to Britain. Julia Hartley-Brewer broadcasts on Talk from Monday to Thursday, 10AM to 1PM. Available on YouTube and streaming platforms, along with DAB+ radio and your smart speaker. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Benedict Spence, conservative commentator, and Baroness Claire Fox, independent peer and director of the Academy of Ideas, discuss how the ECHR is causing more illegal migrant hand-outs in court. High court judges ruled that the police seizure of asylum seekers’ phones amounted to a violation of European Human Rights Law, in contravention of article eight of the European Convention on Human Rights. Article eight outlines the right to a private and family life. The phones were seized as the migrants came to the country, enabling the police to gather evidence about any contact between them and people smuggling gangs. So far, an average of £6,500 per person has been paid to compensate migrants. 70 migrants have been paid. It is feared the total bill could run into the millions, as more migrants who have had phones seized make claims. Reform MP Robert Jenrick called the decision to compensate boat migrants a ‘farce’. Also: proposals to ban social media for U16s - including a potential ban on virtual private networks, used to circumvent the Online Safety Act. The news that the Home Office doesn’t know how many migrants are pretending to be children, The case of a Filipino migrant who was funded to change sex by the NHS - before being given the right to stay in the UK, And the think tank that has propelled Keir Starmer’s rise to power - Labour Together - using a PR firm to smear journalists investigating their funding. Julia Hartley-Brewer broadcasts on Talk from Monday to Thursday, 10AM to 1PM. Available on YouTube and streaming platforms, along with DAB+ radio and your smart speaker. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lord Maurice Glasman, Labour peer and founder of the Blue Labour group, and James Matthewson, former Labour party spokesman, come on The Julia Hartley-Brewer Show to discuss Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s comments on migration and benefits - that since prompted Keir Starmer to request an apology and legislation to give 16 year olds the vote. Also: James Matthewson on the trans issue, after it was revealed that the school shooter in British Columbia, Canada, was a trans woman. Why James thinks Julia says ‘racist things’. And Lord Maurice Glasman on the Labour government’s approach to immigration - including why Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood is doing ‘a good job’. Julia Hartley-Brewer broadcasts on Talk from Monday to Thursday, 10AM to 1PM. Available on YouTube and streaming platforms, along with DAB+ radio and your smart speaker. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.